Industry Resources

Learn about IHA’s cost-saving programs, including the International Housewares Shippers Association, designed to help members grow their business!

Six Month Review of Trump 2.0 Policies

Several policy initiatives in the first months of the Trump Administration have caused economic uncertainty affecting businesses. Some have reached closure like the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R 1), which is a positive for IHA members, but tariffs continue to be a thorny issue. The velocity of tariffs imposed by President Trump on nearly all countries has obviously caused…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – July

June 30 – Study Assesses Potential Holiday Tariff Impact Among Suppliers, Sellers, Consumers The Coupa research study revealed 84% of U.S. consumers cited cost over quality and variety as the most important factor when shopping. From: HomePage News June 30 – Dollar General Temporarily Drops Prices on 1K Items During Summer Sale Dollar General recently reduced prices…

Navigating a Dynamic Landscape in China and Southeast Asia

The evolving landscape in China and Southeast Asia, while presenting new complexities, also offers opportunities for IHA and IHSA members to adapt and succeed. This year's contract negotiations, although responses by carriers were later than usual, may provide valuable insights that could enhance our future strategies and lead our carriers toward a course correction. We…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – June

May 30 – Variety Wholesalers Plans Final Wave of Big Lots Reopening’s on June 5 The success of the Big Lots reopening effort has spurred the retailers new owner, Variety Wholesalers, to explore options for acquiring additional Big Lots locations, the parent company said. From: HomePage News May 30 – Placer.ai: Are Malls Cool Again? Empty anchor implants like…

Tariff and Tax Policy Developments: IEEPA and Higher Steel Tariffs

On May 28, 2025, the Court of International Trade (CIT) ruled unanimously to end President Trump’s International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariffs. The three-judge panel found IEEPA did not grant unbound authority to tax imports from nearly every country around the world. No president had tried to use 1977’s IEEPA for tariffs perhaps because it doesn’t mention…

Uncertainty Delays Signing of Annual Service Contracts

The ongoing trade war between Washington and Beijing, including decoupling tariff rates and USTR 301 increases in port fees and charges, is causing uncertainty and delaying the signing of annual service contracts between ocean carriers and importers, primarily in the eastbound trans-Pacific trade. When will we see a reduction in the tariffs with China? As Yogi Berra once…

U.S. Retail Intelligence – May

April 30 – Import Gains Ahead of Tariffs Contributed to GDP Decline in Q1 The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis reported real gross domestic product decreased at an annual rate of 0.3% in 2025’s first quarter. From: HomePage News Burlington on Lease-Buying Spree — to Assume 45 Joann Leases Burlington will take over the leases, which are for stores across the country,…

USTR’s Final Actions on China Shipbuilding and Port Fees

On Feb. 21, 2025, the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) requested comments on proposed actions under Sec. 301 of the Trade Act of 1974 to end China’s practices for global domination of the maritime, logistics and shipbuilding sectors. This culminated a year-long investigation that started when five labor unions petitioned USTR to probe China’s grip on shipping and…

IHA Tariff Webinar and New Reciprocal Tariffs

On March 27, the IHA Government Affairs team conducted the webinar, “Tariff Update from Washington, DC,” to provide basic information on President Trump’s tariffs. Executives from freight logistics services provider TQL Global, LLC, also provided their experience with the tariffs. The IHA webinar covered the 25% tariffs on Mexico and Canada; 20% tariffs on China; 25% tariffs…